IGFA Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award

2015 Chester Wolfe Sportsman Award Winners

Bob Kurz

Mr. Bob Kurz of Laguna Niguel, California was nominated by the Laguna Niguel Billfish Club for his commitment to supporting both tournament participation and fisheries science through the IGFA Great Marlin Race. A true sportsman, Kurz has been fishing since childhood and is constantly striving to involve others in sportfishing and conservation practices. He was a driving force in the formation of the IGFA Great Marlin Race which was first launched at the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in 2009; it has been held every year since then under Kurz’s guidance and he works tirelessly to educate and engage potential tag sponsors, oftentimes putting the IGMR above his own participation as an angler. An IGFA Representative since 2011, Kurz’s passion for fishing is infectious and his commitment to ethical behavior on the water is unwavering.

Todd Staley

Todd Staley - Mr. Todd Staley of Golfito, Costa Rica was nominated by Gary and Susan Ellis for the 2014 Redbone @ Large Crocodile Bay Osa Classic tournament, for his commitment to fisheries conservation and ethical fishing practices in the Osa Peninsula. As the Fishing Director of Crocodile Bay Resort, Staley channels his passion for sportfishing into working tirelessly for its preservation in this vitally important marine ecosystem of Costa Rica. He was a charter member and past President of FECOPT, the non-profit group representing both tourist and sportfishing groups in Costa Rica, where Staley helped to stop the exportation of sailfish from the country and create the largest area of responsible fishing in Central America- the Golfo Dulce- in southern Costa Rica, banning gill nets and shrimp trawlers from the Gulf. Today, he continues to spread good fishing ethics to not only local Costa Ricans, but also to anyone who visits at Crocodile Bay.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Award! No matter how small the gesture, the act of sportsmanship is truly a great one. The IGFA – Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award was established by Mrs. Barbara Wolfe in memory of her late husband to honor both his love of sport fishing and passion for ethical behavior on the water. It is awarded annually to a deserving individual nominated by a fishing club or tournament for embodying sporting and ethical behavior.

Who is eligible for the Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award?

Any individual who demonstrates fair play, sportsmanship and ethical angling practices on the water is eligible to be nominated by a tournament or club. Our 2012 winner, Capt. Loren Monterroso, acted quickly to save a competitor’s hooked blue marlin from circling sharks during the Roatan International Billfish Tournament. The most recent winner, Jason Schall of Charleston, South Carolina, USA was recognized for taking a child fishing during a tournament despite having sustained a severe injury while fishing for bait prior to the event (in addition to his other community and conservation accomplishments).

These are just two examples of the many acts of sportsmanship and goodwill that would qualify a nominee for the Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. Nominations can be made for an individual’s specific acts or simply for their embodiment of good sportsmanship throughout the year. We invite you to honor the spirit of ethical angling by nominating your Chester H. Wolfe Award recipient today!

How do I sign up?

Signing your tournament or club up for the Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award couldn’t be easier! You can become a participant before your tournament or club event takes place and have the certificate on hand, ready to present to the winner at your awards ceremony. Didn’t sign up beforehand, but still want to recognize a deserving participant? No problem! You can contact us after the fact and we will send you the certificate right away.

All submissions must be received no later than October 1, 2015. Once your nominee is selected, please submit a short description (75 words or less) of why this person was chosen to receive the award. Mrs. Wolfe and a committee of IGFA staff will select one winner for the overall Award.

Please contact Julia Shafer at [email protected] or 954-924-4222 to learn more and sign up today!

What will the winner receive?

The nominees from each participating event will receive a Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award certificate. The overall winner for 2015 will receive:

IGFA Fishing Expedition- One fully paid entry to the 2016 IGFA Fishing Expedition (location to be determined), including airfare, lodging, fishing, meals and more

IGFA International Auction & Banquet- One ticket to attend the 32nd Annual Auction & Banquet, including round-trip coach airfare for one and a two-night hotel stay in Fort Lauderdale

Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Perpetual Trophy- A name plate will be added to the perpetual trophy housed in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum

Why should my tournament or club participate?

All participating tournaments and clubs will be listed on IGFA’s website, along with clickable website links. You will be provided with an official certificate (suitable for framing) to present to the selected nominee at your event’s awards ceremony. Participating in the Chester H. Wolfe Outstanding Sportsmanship Award program also encourages good sportsmanship and ethical angling practices during your tournament - that next good deed could win your tournament participants the trip of a lifetime!

Ready to get on board?

Please contact Julia Shafer at [email protected] or 954-924-4222 for more information.

The International Game Fish Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping.